20 Classic Comedies That Modern Movies Totally Ripped Off (You May Not Know About)
MOVIES
Hollywood loves to recycle. Behind your favorite rom-com or laugh-out-loud moment is probably a black-and-white classic that did it first — and sometimes better. From clever remakes to full-on story heists, these original comedies walked so modern hits could strut.
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1. The Shop Around the Corner (1940) → You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Before AOL made us all emotional, Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan were unknowingly falling in love via anonymous letters. Same story, less dial-up.
2. An Affair to Remember (1957) → Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Nora Ephron’s dreamy love story owes everything to this tearjerker classic with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. That Empire State Building finale? Pure homage.
4. Charade (1963) → The Truth About Charlie (2002)
Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant’s suspenseful rom-com got a modern makeover with Thandiwe Newton and Mark Wahlberg… but nothing beats the original’s charm and intrigue.
5. Sabrina (1954) → Sabrina (1995)
Yes, it’s an official remake. But Audrey Hepburn’s original awkward-caterpillar-to-swan story with two very different brothers did the whole "girl between rich men" thing first — and better.
6. Father of the Bride (1950) → Father of the Bride (1991)
Steve Martin’s version is beloved, but Spencer Tracy’s original panic over giving away his daughter is just as relatable (and hilarious) — no email RSVP required.
7. The Major and the Minor (1942) → Big (1988)
Before Tom Hanks played a kid in a grown man’s body, Ginger Rogers was a grown woman pretending to be a kid. Reverse concept, same big laughs.
8. To Be or Not to Be (1942) → To Be or Not to Be (1983)
This biting WWII comedy was daringly remade by Mel Brooks, but the original—about actors tricking Nazis—is bolder and weirder than you’d expect for its time.
9. Libeled Lady (1936) → Runaway Bride (1999)
Both revolve around newspaper stunts, fake engagements, and women who won’t be tied down. Julia Roberts may run, but Myrna Loy glides.
10. Ball of Fire (1941) → My Cousin Vinny (1992)
OK, not a direct remake, but both feature a street-smart woman who completely unravels a room full of brilliant but clueless men. Barbara Stanwyck walked so Marisa Tomei could strut in stilettos.
15. Holiday (1938) → Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A rich girl caught between high society expectations and her heart’s true pull. Both feature wild parties, sarcastic exes, and a heroine who’s got to choose between two lives.
16. Bringing Up Baby (1938) → What’s Up, Doc? (1972)
Screwball chaos, identity mix-ups, and a free-spirited woman dragging a stuffy man into ridiculous situations. Plus: a leopard vs. a suitcase full of rocks. Comedy perfection in both.
17. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) → The Money Pit (1986)
Before Tom Hanks’ home renovation disaster, Cary Grant was battling plumbing, contractors, and exploding budgets. Same cursed house, different era.
Watch the Originals That Started It All
Modern comedies may have the flash, but these originals have the blueprint—and the brilliance. If you loved the newer versions, do yourself a favor and watch the classics that inspired them. You'll find sharper dialogue, bolder storytelling, and performances that still hold up decades later. So grab some popcorn, stream a few golden oldies, and see where Hollywood’s funniest ideas really began. Trust us: these aren't just history lessons—they're hilarious.
11. The Philadelphia Story (1940) → High Society (1956)
Technically a musical remake, but both feature a rich woman torn between her ex, her fiancé, and a reporter. Grace Kelly took over from Katharine Hepburn—but the blueprint remained intact.
12. Pillow Talk (1959) → Down with Love (2003)
Rock Hudson and Doris Day’s sexy, innuendo-filled comedy got a stylish retro reboot with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. They even copied the split-screen bathtub gag.
13. Born Yesterday (1950) → Pretty Woman (1990)
A brash outsider learns sophistication with the help of a rich guy. Sure, Vivian’s not quite as loud as Judy Holliday’s Billie, but the glow-up storyline rings familiar.
14. The Lady Eve (1941) → She’s All That (1999)
Seduction-as-a-game, unexpected real feelings, mistaken identity, and humiliation at a party. Barbara Stanwyck was flipping the “makeover bet” long before 90s teens got involved.
3. His Girl Friday (1940) → Switching Channels (1988)
The snappy, overlapping dialogue and ex-lovers-in-a-newsroom dynamic started here. Modern films still chase that Rosalind Russell–Cary Grant banter energy.
18. Ninotchka (1939) → The Proposal (2009)
Greta Garbo plays a cold, no-nonsense Soviet envoy sent to Paris who slowly warms up (and cracks a smile) thanks to a charming man and some capitalist chaos. Sound familiar? Sandra Bullock’s icy executive in The Proposal melts in much the same way—with a fake engagement, culture clash, and unexpected romance.
19. You Can’t Take It With You (1938) → Meet the Parents (2000)
A quirky, chaotic family welcomes (or torments) their straight-laced guest. Grandpa Vanderhof walked so Robert De Niro could raise an eyebrow in silence.
20. It Happened One Night (1934) → Leap Year (2010)
Spoiled woman meets sarcastic reporter, they travel together reluctantly, and eventually fall in love. Screwball road trip meets rom-com formula—just 75 years apart.